Women's History Month is a fantastic opportunity for you to recognize the invaluable contributions of women, past and present. It's not just about historical figures; it's about celebrating the women who drive your business, your community, and the world forward. And let’s face it, it’s a great reminder to put some good cheer into the world. After all, people love feel-good narratives. While it may be difficult to implement these ideas before the end of the month, you can always use them to plan for next year or make an announcement this month to unveil a larger plan rollout for another time. Here are some creative ways to celebrate, internally and externally, at your business: Internal Employee Celebrations: Fostering Appreciation and Growth Like Mother’s Day, you don’t have to be a woman to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of women. Make it enjoyable and welcoming for all. Here are a few ways to encourage support for, and interest in, Women’s History Month: Create a Women Who Inspire Spotlight Dedicate a segment of your internal newsletter or intranet to spotlighting female employees, customers, or figures who inspire your team. Share their stories, achievements, and insights. But that’s just the beginning. Get your crew involved too. Create a "wall of inspiration" in your breakroom or office (or even your front lobby or register stand), where employees can post pictures and stories of women who inspire them. Host Skill-Sharing Workshops or Lunch & Learns Invite female employees to lead workshops on their areas of expertise. This empowers them and provides valuable learning opportunities for the team. For instance, your marketing maven could give a workshop on personal branding. Organize a lunch & learn session featuring a female speaker from your industry or community. This could be a mentor, a successful entrepreneur, or an expert in a relevant field. Not only is this inspiring but could lead employees to see their career path in a new way. Launch a Mentorship Program Launch or promote existing mentorship programs that connect female employees with experienced mentors, either within or outside the company. Create a networking event specifically for the women in your company. If you have a smaller business where that is difficult to do, work with local groups like your chamber to create opportunities for networking, mentorships, and leadership development. Create a Parent-friendly Job Program One of the hardest parts of keeping women in the workforce is childcare. While your business may not have the budget to offer employees childcare or a subsidy to offset the cost, you may be able to offer alternative shifts that make parenting and work possible. For instance, you could offer a 9-3 shift to accommodate parents who have to pick up children from school or you could arrange job shares that would allow two part-time employees to share one full-time position. This would ensure the needs of the parents and the business are both met. External Celebrations: Engaging Your Community and Customers Women’s History Month has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Many businesses are hosting events and other celebrations. Here are a few ideas of how you can do the same: Host a Female Author or Speaker Partner with a local bookstore or library to host a book signing or speaking event featuring a female author or thought leader. If you don’t have time to host a speaker this year, try interviewing one for your newsletter on a topic of interest to your ideal audience. Support Women-Owned Businesses Feature products or services from women-owned businesses in your store or on your website. Offer a special discount or promotion for customers who support women-owned businesses. Call attention to the women-owned businesses you work with, such as vendors and suppliers, or highlight the stories of some of your employees. Community Partnership Partner with a local women's shelter, non-profit organization, or educational institution to host a fundraising event or volunteer activity. Long-term idea: sponsor a scholarship or award for female students or entrepreneurs. Educational Content Create blog posts, articles, or videos highlighting the achievements of women in your industry or community. Share educational resources and information about women's history and current issues on your website and social media channels. Social Media Campaigns Use relevant hashtags like #WomensHistoryMonth, #WomenInBusiness, and #CelebrateWomen to share stories, quotes, and images of inspiring women. Run a social media contest or giveaway that celebrates women's achievements. Feature your female staff members and their roles within the company. Ask them to tell stories of the women who inspire them. Customer Appreciation Highlight female customers and their achievements through social media posts or blog posts. (with customer permission, of course). Make It Part of a Larger Conversation Women’s History Month is a way to instill appreciation for the struggles of women and their contributions to the many areas of our society—personally and professionally. But the historical tribute can also be the beginning of a larger conversation. Is equality something you want to make part of your employee culture? Do you want customers to understand that you have programs in place that help women receive equal pay to their male counterparts? How does this celebration of women tie into your culture of who you are or who you want to be? By celebrating Women's History Month in meaningful and creative ways, you can demonstrate your commitment to gender equality, foster a positive and inclusive work environment, and strengthen your connection with your community and customers. This month isn’t just about clever marketing. It could be the beginning of a much larger conversation about workforce dynamics and culture in your company and beyond.

Growth isn't a passive process; it doesn’t just happen. Unfortunately, you don’t open a business and sit back and wait for it to grow. Businesses rarely go viral overnight and planning on doing so is like funding your retirement by playing the lottery every week. Business growth is a dynamic journey fueled by strategic thinking and insightful questions that help you see things in new ways. As a business owner, you're constantly navigating challenges and opportunities, not to mention the competition. But are you asking the right questions to propel your business to the next level? Simply working hard isn't enough. We need to work smarter, and that starts with asking the questions that reveal hidden potential and drive meaningful change to attain growth. Internal Questions for Operational Excellence Every successful business rests on a solid foundation. Let's start by looking inward. Are your internal operations optimized for growth? Consider these questions: Are our current workflows efficient, or are there bottlenecks? Take a critical look at your processes. Are there redundant steps or outdated systems that could be streamlined? Are we maximizing our existing resources? This includes your team, technology, and financial assets. Are you leveraging them to their full potential? A lot has changed over the past few years. It may be time to audition new tech and assess the skills gap that may exist in your business. Is our team engaged and aligned with our goals? A motivated team is a powerful engine for growth. Are you providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed? Are they fulfilled in their position? A disengaged employee can do a lot of damage to a business and its service reputation. Actionable Step: Conduct a brief internal audit. Map out your key processes and identify areas for improvement. Schedule a team meeting to gather feedback and brainstorm solutions. External Questions for Market Understanding Understanding your market is crucial for sustained growth. Sometimes markets change or new ones open up. Ask yourself: Who is our ideal customer, and what are their evolving needs? Customer preferences change. Are you staying ahead of the curve? For instance, if you were a business that served authors, with the recent growth in AI, how did that impact them and what they need from you? If you haven’t answered that question in five years, you’re likely behind your competition. Speaking of… What are our competitors doing, and how can we differentiate ourselves? Analyze your competition to identify opportunities to stand out. Again, give them a fresh look. They may be doing new things you weren’t aware of. Additionally, sometimes your competition is not doing anything. If your ideal customer isn’t choosing you, are they choosing your competition or doing nothing? Why? How can we enhance our customer experience to build loyalty and drive referrals? Exceptional customer service is a powerful differentiator. Don’t assume your service is excellent just because you don’t hear complaints. If they’re not talking about you, you’re average. Actionable Step: Conduct a customer survey or analyze your customer feedback data. Research your competitors' online presence and marketing strategies. Strategic Questions for Future Growth Looking ahead is essential for long-term success. Consider these strategic questions: What are our long-term goals, and how can we achieve them? Develop a clear roadmap for the future. What new opportunities can we explore to expand our market reach? Consider new products, services, or markets. How can we innovate and adapt to changing market conditions? Agility is key to staying competitive. Actionable Step: Schedule a strategic planning session with your team. Brainstorm new ideas and develop a plan to implement them. The Power of "Why?" No, this time we’re not talking about YOUR why. Instead, channel your inner four-year-old and don't be content to stop at the surface. Dig deeper by asking "Why?" multiple times. This technique can help you uncover the root cause of problems and identify hidden opportunities. For example, instead of just asking "Why are sales down?" look at the larger picture and ask "Why are sales down? Why are customer leads down? Why is our marketing not generating enough leads?" Use the word “why” and “and” with each question you answer. Your learning and understanding will improve. Your Chamber is Your Partner in Growth Asking the right questions is just the beginning. Your chamber of commerce is here to support you on your growth journey. The chamber offers a range of resources to help you grow including: Networking events to connect with other business leaders Educational workshops and seminars to enhance your skills Access to valuable market data and industry insights Business counseling and mentorship Growth is a continuous process of learning, adapting, and innovating. By asking the right questions and leveraging the resources available to you, you can unlock your business's full potential. Then reach out to your chamber of commerce to explore how it can help you take your business to the next level.

For many small businesses, email marketing is all about promotions and sales. But the most successful businesses know that an email list is more than just a sales tool—it’s a way to build relationships, create trust, and foster a sense of community without the concerns of a platform shutdown. By shifting your focus from transactions to connections, you can turn one-time customers into long-term brand advocates. Why Community Matters in Email Marketing When people feel connected to your business, they’re more likely to stay engaged, refer others, and become repeat customers. A strong email strategy builds that connection by making subscribers feel valued and involved, rather than just being on the receiving end of sales pitches. They want to get to know you and get something in return. For a successful digital marketing relationship to be built, you must give both. Here’s how you can use email to cultivate a loyal following: 1. Share Valuable, Relevant Content Instead of only sending promotions, consider what information your audience would appreciate. Valuable content means “valuable” from their perspective, not yours. For instance: · A retail store might send seasonal styling tips or product care guides. · A restaurant could share behind-the-scenes stories, recipes, or pairing ideas. · A professional service provider (like an accountant or consultant) might send bite-sized industry insights, checklists, or tips for success. 2. Create Exclusive Perks for Subscribers Give people a reason to stay subscribed by offering benefits they can’t get elsewhere. These could include: · Early access to sales or new products · Special “insider” updates about your business · Exclusive events such as subscriber-only Q&A sessions or webinars For example, a local fitness studio could send subscribers a free at-home workout video each month, while a bookstore could offer early-bird sign-ups for popular author events. 3. Make Emails Interactive We’ve all read (or trashed) boring salesy emails. They aren’t something we want to see in our inbox each week. Bad emails are a quick ride to Unsubscribeville. Instead, encourage two-way communication so your emails feel like a conversation, not a broadcast. Keep in mind who you’re writing to and personalize your conversation to them by: · Asking for feedback through quick surveys or polls. A salon or spa, for instance, could ask customers to vote on a new service they’d love to see offered. · Inviting replies with personal questions like, “What’s your biggest challenge?” · Running a contest or giveaway where participation requires a simple reply. · Telling them you really want to hear from them, and you read every email. 4. Spotlight Your Customers & Community People love seeing themselves recognized. Feature customer success stories, testimonials, or user-generated content about your product or service like a follower’s post from social media. Other examples include: · A real estate agent might highlight a happy homeowner’s journey. · A local café could showcase customer-submitted coffee art photos. · A business consultant might feature a small business success story from their client list. This approach makes customers feel valued and shows prospects that your business is trusted by others. Plus, in some cases, your customers will want to be showcased as well. So, they might share or post in the hopes you will highlight them in the future. It can be a great way to drive desired action. 5. Inject Personality & Authenticity Your emails should reflect the human side of your business as well as your personality. Don’t be afraid to share a story from your weekend—particularly if it’s entertaining or educational. Always write in a conversational, relatable tone leaving a lot of white space. You can also: · Share personal insights or lessons learned. · Give behind-the-scenes looks at your operations. For instance, a boutique owner could share why they chose to stock a particular product, or a contractor could showcase a day-in-the-life video of their latest project. The Long-Term Payoff of Email Marketing When you use email to build relationships rather than just push sales, you create a community that trusts and supports your business. Plus, recipients are more apt to open your emails if they find value in them. This leads to higher engagement, stronger brand loyalty, and ultimately, more sustainable growth. By making your emails feel more like a conversation and less like a commercial, you’ll not only keep subscribers interested—you’ll turn them into lifelong customers and advocates for your business. And that sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

Has this ever happened to you? A brilliant idea sparks, you meticulously plan every detail, create beautiful spreadsheets, and envision the triumphant launch. Maybe you even practice a little Law of Attraction in your meditative practices each morning. But then… . The plan sits there, gathering dust, because life has gotten busy, you’ve been plagued by self-doubt, or you moved on to the next exciting concept. Sound familiar? Or maybe you’re the opposite. Maybe you’re all about action and no planning. You’re jetting off to the next hottest thing without seeing anything ripen and produce. Many business professionals fall into this trap, leaning too heavily on either the planning or the action phase. We either over-analyze and never launch, or we jump in headfirst without a strategy and quickly burn out. So, how do we bridge the gap and turn those well-laid plans (or exuberant energy) into tangible results? Ready, Set, Go Finding the balance between planning and action is crucial for success. Too much planning leads to paralysis, while too much action leads to a game of chaotic professional ping-pong, bouncing from one thing to the next. Here's how to navigate that middle ground and start experiencing real progress: 1. Define Your "Why" and Set Clear Goals: Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, revisit the core reason behind your plan. Why is this important? What do you hope to achieve? Does it fit into what you’re already doing or is it a new undertaking altogether? If it’s new, do you aim to replace or enhance what you’re currently doing? Clearly defined goals provide direction and motivation, making it easier to prioritize and stay focused. 2. Break It Down: Large, overwhelming plans are often the biggest culprits of inaction. Break your grand vision into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of "launch a new product line," think "research competitor pricing," "develop prototype," "create marketing materials." These bite-sized tasks feel less daunting and provide a sense of accomplishment as you tick them off. Building momentum is a large part of sticking with something long-term. 3. Embrace Imperfect Action: Perfection is the enemy of progress. Don't wait for everything to be flawless (or the timing to be perfect) before taking a step. Sometimes, "good enough" is better than "never done." Remember, even a small step is a step, if it aligns with your goals. That imperfect thank you note you send is better than the perfect note you never write. 4. Resist the Shiny Object Syndrome: In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get distracted by the next "big thing." Don't be a "shiny object entrepreneur." Constantly chasing fleeting trends and abandoning projects when they don't instantly go viral is a trip to Nowheresville. True success is built on consistency and perseverance. Focus on your core plan, refine it as needed, and stick with it. 5. Build Relationships, Not Transactions: Today's most successful businesses are built on strong relationships. You can't cultivate genuine connections if you're constantly flitting from one project to the next, across multiple disparate audiences, solely focused on quick wins. Invest time in building rapport with clients, partners, and even competitors. These relationships can be invaluable for support, collaboration, and long-term growth. Remember, people do business with people they know, like, and trust. 6. Review and Adjust: Your initial plan is just a starting point. Regularly review your progress, analyze what's working and what's not, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Be flexible and willing to adapt. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and your plan should too. But this is where a lot of people stumble. They confuse new projects with timely adjustments. When things get rough or boring, they think innovation means a completely new undertaking. It doesn’t have to. Sometimes innovation is making changes to how you’re currently doing something and serving your market in a new way. 7. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognizing and celebrating your accomplishments, no matter how small, is essential for maintaining momentum. It reinforces positive behavior and motivates you to keep moving forward. 8. Create Daily Habits: Following daily habits can keep you on track and accountable toward your progress. Bridging the gap between planning and action requires conscious effort and a shift in mindset. Not to mention, walking away from the idea of going viral. You still can, of course, but don’t make it your only goal. It’s too easy to get discouraged. Instead, transform your ideas into reality and achieve lasting success through these steps.

What do Han Solo (Star Wars et al), Walter White (Breaking Bad), and Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games) have in common? They’re terribly flawed and we love them for it. Imperfection can also be a powerful asset for businesses when approached with the right mindset. So stop trying your best to be perfect and embrace imperfection as a way to connect with your customers. Here’s how: How to be Perfectly Imperfect You’ve probably heard the adage “finished is better than perfect” or “you can’t edit a blank page.” There’s something to be said for embracing life’s imperfections, especially in business. After all, everyone can relate, and imperfections are bound to happen. So you might as well make the best of them. There’s a popular self-help book called “How to Keep House While Drowning.” It was written by a recovering overwhelmed housewife. It’s funny and terribly relatable, especially if you do most of the housework around your home. But it’s also a book about very boring things like dishes in a sink. You can use this same “common denominator” to relate with your ideal client. Relatability It's hard to identify with a perfect business or person. When someone is busy telling us how perfect they are or only showing us the perfect side of their lives, a distance between us will arise. After all, if your life is less than perfect how do you align with someone who is only showing you the sunny side? Whether it's a fictional character, your best friend, or a business, seeing flaws makes us feel like that person or entity is going through the same things we are. This relatability can be loyalty-building when it comes to business. Transparency You can also turn mistakes into opportunities by being openly honest about your shortcomings. When you acknowledge errors and demonstrate a commitment to improvement, you actually build stronger relationships with customers. In fact, 89% of people believe a business can regain their trust if it admits to a mistake and transparently outlines steps to prevent future issues. Authenticity Companies that show their human side can gain a competitive edge. For example: Domino's Pizza ran a campaign admitting their pizza had its issues , but they were addressing them. Guess what? It increased sales. Netflix publicly apologized for a pricing mistake, demonstrating accountability (and let’s not forget their Tyson debacle—again, they apologized instead of ignoring it). Coke went back to the original and admitted the change was a terrible idea. All of these companies received kudos for their honesty (and listening to customers). Fearlessness From an employee perspective, embracing imperfection can unlock creativity by removing the paralyzing fear of failure. When businesses create an environment that accepts mistakes as part of the learning process, employees feel more comfortable: - Experimenting with new ideas - Taking calculated risks - Thinking outside traditional boundaries Companies that remove the fear of failure can accomplish great innovation. Healthier Work Environment Transparency in leadership can also improve your business. When leaders acknowledge their own flaws it: - Reduces stress among employees - Increases job satisfaction - Boosts overall productivity If you’ve ever worked for a workaholic, you know their flawed views on work can be detrimental to your own. But we’re not telling you to hang all your dirty laundry out on the line for everyone to see. There is a strategy behind using imperfection to build a stronger relationship with your customers and employees. A Strategic Approach to Imperfection The key is not to aim for mediocrity, but to view imperfections as opportunities for growth. Your business is never going to be perfect; but you can be perfectly relatable. Be real, be resilient, and be ready to learn and grow. Our best relationships in life (and on the screen) are not between us and perfect people. Quite the opposite. We embrace flaws and appreciate when those around us do the same. Showing your less-than-perfect side will make you more endearing and solidify a long-term relationship between your business and your customers.

First it was pet insurance and foosball tables. Then it was Friday kegs in the office and goat yoga. While those benefits seemed like frivolous ways to bring fun to the office, the current benefit trend that everyone is talking about actually improves productivity and employee well-being (at least as reported by the employees). And it’s likely something you never thought about offering. But before we tell you what it is, let’s talk about some of the results that employees who have used this benefit experienced. According to a survey published by sidehustle.com : · 72% saw an improvement in overall well-being. · 69% experienced better focus. · 68% felt lower stress levels. · 62% saw increased productivity. · 49% reported greater job satisfaction. And… Nearly 50% of employees said they would consider switching jobs if another employer offered this benefit (when their company did not). This new benefit trend could give employers that offer it a leg up on hiring. So, what is this new benefit? The Rise of Unhappy Leave Okay, so leave is not a new benefit. Employees are granted parental leave, sick leave, Family and Medical Leave, and sabbaticals. But this new type of leave—unhappy leave—allows an employee to take time off for mental and emotional well-being. Industries leading this charge include tech, government, and education. Many managers see it as employee recruitment and retention tools because it can help employees deal with stress. It can also provide a cooling off period where co-workers can “take a break from one another.” However, there are apprehensions in offering this benefit as well. Surveyed managers cited concerns over: · misuse or overuse · workload coverage for employees on leave · challenges in distinguishing unhappy leave from regular sick leave · eligibility—what length of tenure would make employees eligible? The trend originated in China with grocery store Pang Dong Lai offering employees up to 10 days a year of unhappy leave. Unhappy leave means employees can take time off without needing approval or justification whenever they feel “emotionally unwell.” The policy is intended to promote a healthy work-life balance. The big difference between this type of leave and others is that it cannot be denied by management . Company culture has been a big concern for businesses over the past 15-20 years. Culture has been a big play in recruitment and trying to protect talent from being poached by the competition. Benefits are a big part of this. But companies want benefits that help with attracting and retaining employees, not just ones that look good on paper. Popular Employee Benefits Some of the most popular employee benefits with a proven return on investment include: · Flexibile schedules (offering this benefit shows a 12% reduction in turnover rate). · Remote work options. · Professional development opportunities including personalized learning plans and career growth. · Wellness programs such as on-demand therapy sessions, mindfulness and meditation programs, and designated mental health days (like unhappy leave). · Eldercare and childcare benefits. · Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs) allowing employees to allocate wellness funds according to their unique needs and preferences. · Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to support various personal and professional issues. · Recognition programs. And now it appears that unhappy leave may have an impressive impact on recruitment and retention as well. But is implementing “unhappy leave” as easy as writing it up through your HR department? Not exactly. If you create a leave program that does not have to be approved by management, you run the risk of your eligible employees taking it at the same time with little to no notice. Leaving the business in a lurch. But that’s not the only thing to think about before implementation. Unhappy leave should be a component of your benefits design, not a simple add-on. According to a 2024 Forbes article , there are other organizational pieces you should pay attention to. These include recruiting for values, tailoring development to the individual, monitoring management (after all, that’s one of the top reasons people leave), and providing clear communications on employee culture and company vision. Unhappy leave should not be used as a bandage for a broken employment environment. If you’re thinking about extending your leave program, make sure you also work on the other end, creating a better work environment so your employees will feel less need to use the perk.

The new year is an ideal time to get clear about your goals. Many people set incredibly inspiring resolutions and plot pathways to their best selves. If you’re one of those people—kudos to you. But if you don’t get straight on one thing, your intentions are going to fall flat. Here’s the one thing you need to know about goal attainment. Every yes is a no and every no is a yes. Did you read that more than once? Is it a little confusing? Like some riddle of the Sphinx or a quote in a fortune cookie? Not really. Let’s break it down. When you say yes to one thing, you’re saying no to another. When you say no to something, you have time to say yes to something else. What Are You Saying Yes To? For many, your holidays probably found you saying yes to a lot of things that didn’t align with your personal or professional goals. Maybe you exhausted yourself doing for others. Maybe you overspent because you wanted everyone in your life to feel special. Maybe you stayed up late at night worrying about the end-of-year in your business. Where did those things get you? Did everyone in your life have a joyful, wonderful holiday without complaint? Did that money you spent have a good return on investment? Did your worrying make things better or solve any of your business stressors? Probably not. If you are serious about meeting your goals—no matter what they are—you need to weigh your choices and institute boundaries. If you’re focused on growing your business in 2025, for instance, and you’ve plotted out the perfect road to get there, you’re going to have to protect that path like you are a medieval warlord. There will be distractions, plenty of them. Some of those distractions will come masked as “self-care.” You may tell yourself that you’re only watching one episode of your favorite show to “unwind.” Three episodes later and you’ve wasted one-fifth of your waking hours! Sometimes the distractions come in the form of other people—Sally who wants your help with the bake sale or Timmy who needs a ride to practice. And you will need to help some of those people because they rely on you. But you don’t need to help all of them. Know the difference. This year, as you’re planning your goals, give thought to safeguarding your time too. Goals are ineffectual if you don’t have any time to complete them. Some of that lack of time will be beyond your control like having to put things on hold while you take care of someone who is ill. But much of your time is likely spent doing things that are just “busy work.” They are activities that aren’t moving the needle, or they’re actions that are performed haphazardly. Haphazard, or unfocused work, is the worst kind because it takes up a lot of time and energy but doesn’t help you make progress on your goals. Imagine playing a carnival game where the aim was to hit a target with a bean bag while blindfolded. Your attempts would be splattered all around (some may even end up in the next stall). Because without your sight, you’re simply trying to get the bean bag in the general direction of where you think the target is. Now imagine, removing your blindfold and being given something like a hose with a powerful stream of water and being told to hit the target with it. It would be much easier because you not only know where the target is, you also have a constant, consistent stream focusing on that target. You need the same in your life as you pursue your goals. You want a constant, consistent pursuit. That only comes from protecting the sanctity of your work with every yes and no you utter.

The new year often brings a renewed focus on fresh starts and improved efficiency. Many of us are wondering how we might earn more, be more productive, and enjoy a better work/life balance. But as you’re committing to goals for the new year, consider that what your business may need is some decluttering. It’s time to channel your inner Marie Kondo and tackle not just physical spaces, but also digital files, outdated processes, and even stagnant strategies. Just like a cluttered home can lead to stress and lost productivity, a cluttered business environment can hinder growth and innovation. Here's how you can embrace decluttering for a more successful year: Tidy the Physical Workspace This is not a slam on people who enjoy visual chaos (like me), but if you can’t locate the basic things you need, it might be time for a new system. Consider how you might: Clear the clutter: Dispose of or donate old equipment, unused supplies, and stacks of paper. Optimize layouts: Reorganize workspaces to improve flow and encourage collaboration or easy access. Embrace minimalism: A clean, minimalist aesthetic can reduce distractions and boost focus. Digital Detox We’re not suggesting you give up your electronics, but isn’t it time your efficiency tools actually work for you? You can do this through: Organizing digital files: How many times have you not been able to find something in your email or files? Hey, it happens to the best of us. That’s why you need to implement and commit to a clear and consistent file-naming system (preferably something in the Cloud) and archive or delete outdated documents. Streamline your inbox: Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails (Gmail and Yahoo make that really easy), utilize filters, and adopt inbox zero practices. Update software and hardware: Ensure all technology is up-to-date and functioning optimally. Research new options. Pick your slowest day and do some quick YouTube research on efficiency tools or Google plug-ins. You can learn a lot in only a few minutes and there’s likely a way to use tools to streamline your current processes. But if you’re waiting for a golden ticket from these software or app companies, it’s unlikely you’ll get one. Just as you may need to perform continuing education or professional development activities each year, take it upon yourself to keep an eye on tech and the digital world. Speaking of… Streamline Processes You can’t make more hours in the day so maximize what you currently have by: Identifying bottlenecks: Analyze workflows to pinpoint areas of inefficiency. Automate tasks: Utilize technology (like AI or conditional software that helps you create “if, then” pathways) to automate repetitive tasks and free up employee time. Eliminate unnecessary meetings: Encourage shorter, more focused meetings with clear agendas. It doesn’t take long to develop a reputation of being a time waster and your employees, vendors, and stakeholders will do everything they can to get out of your meetings. If people opt out, just how effective are the meetings anyway? Revisit Your Strategy If you find yourself saying things like, “But it always worked before,” then it might just be time to: Reassess goals: Ensure your business goals are still relevant and aligned with your overall vision. Eliminate stagnant projects: Don't be afraid to cut your losses on projects that are no longer serving your business. Just because you’ve spent a lot of time, focus, or money on something does not mean you should continue to do so. Identify new opportunities: Create space for fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Go All In and Foster a Culture of Decluttering The new year is an ideal time for early spring cleaning. Out with the old, in with the new. After all, if you can’t make room for new opportunities, you’ll be left with the old ones. · Encouraging employee participation: Provide training and resources to help employees declutter their own workspaces and workflows. Encourage managers to find out what the greatest obstacles to their direct reports’ success are. · Celebrating successes: Recognize and reward efforts to improve efficiency and productivity. Making decluttering a continuous process: Schedule regular decluttering sessions to maintain a clean and organized work environment. Again, remember it’s not all about papers on a desk. There are many ways our work lives get cluttered but all of them eventually lead to breakdowns and inefficiencies. By embracing these decluttering strategies, you can create a more focused, efficient, and ultimately, more successful business. After all, every garden needs room to grow. Your business does too.

Public relations (PR) is just for big companies with tons of connections and celebrity endorsements, right? It can feel like a luxury for those of us with small businesses. Hiring a dedicated PR firm is often financially out of reach. But who has the time to learn the ropes of good PR while juggling everything else? It takes years or deep wallets to make those kinds of connections, doesn’t it? Not exactly. You don't need a fancy PR background or a hefty budget to generate buzz. With a little creativity and the internet, you can score big media wins. Mastering PR Fundamentals Before diving into tactics, let's make sure you’re not wasting your time. There are a couple of fundamentals you’ll want to have down first. Define Your Story: What makes your business unique—I mean really unique? (And no, good customer service is not a unique value proposition.) What problem do you solve better (or differently) than anyone else? Identify your key messages and craft a compelling narrative that resonates with your target audience. (And, oh, you have to define your target audience too—and it’s not everybody. See below.) Know Your Audience: Who are you trying to reach? What media outlets do they consume? Understanding your audience is crucial for targeting your PR efforts effectively. If you are trying to target women under 25, they’re not reading the paper version of the Wall Street Journal, for instance. Don’t waste your time pitching them. Set Realistic Goals: What do you hope to achieve with PR? Increased brand awareness or likability? Website traffic? Leads? Defining your goals will help you measure success. Generating Buzz on a Budget Now, let's explore some cost-effective PR strategies that don’t require a public relations degree: Harness the Power of Social Media Build a strong presence on platforms relevant to your audience. Share engaging content, interact with followers, and participate in industry conversations. Remember, PR firms are successful because they know it’s a long game of building relationships. Use social media to connect and build relations with your ideal audience and people who work with them (like influencers, media, etc.) Craft Killer Press Releases Learn the art of writing concise, informative press releases that highlight newsworthy events, product launches, or company milestones. Don’t assume every press release has to be about a big event like an opening. There is a lot of need for feel-good stories these days. You can pitch these community connection pieces as long as you do your research to understand who is interested in them. Build Relationships with Local Media Connect with journalists and editors at local newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and blogs. Offer them exclusive stories or expert commentary related to your industry. Leverage Online PR Platforms Explore free or affordable online platforms like Help a Reporter Out (HARO) to connect with journalists seeking sources for their stories. This time of year, many news sources are doing stories on local business owners and the shop small movement. Getting featured can have a big impact on top-of-mind attention. Become a Guest Blogger Offer to write informative and engaging articles for relevant blogs and websites to reach a wider audience and establish yourself as an industry expert. Check with the chamber. They may have content needs. Host Events and Workshops Organize free events or workshops related to your business. This can attract local media attention and position you as a valuable resource in the community. If you do this, make sure your chamber knows as well so it can help you get the word out. Partner with Other Businesses Collaborate with complementary businesses on joint promotions or events to expand your reach and tap into new customer bases. Don't Underestimate the Power of Referrals Encourage satisfied customers to spread the word by offering incentives or running referral programs. Building Media Relationships Making media contacts doesn't have to be daunting. Here are some tips: Start Local: Focus on building relationships with local media outlets first. They are often more accessible and eager to cover local businesses. Do Your Research: Identify journalists and editors who cover your industry or area of expertise. Follow them on social media and familiarize yourself with their work. Personalize Your Pitch: Tailor your pitch to each journalist, highlighting why your story is relevant to their audience. Keep it concise and to the point. Be Persistent (But Not Annoying): Follow up on your pitches, but don't bombard journalists with emails. Respect their time and be mindful of deadlines. Build Relationships, Not Just Contacts: Engage with journalists on social media, offer helpful information, and be a valuable resource. Building genuine relationships will pay off in the long run. Effective PR doesn't require a big budget or a PR degree. Social media has made connecting easier than ever. You just have to be clear on your story and who it’s speaking to. By doing so, you can generate significant media attention and elevate your business to new heights.